What Is Ghost Job?

A ghost job is a job posting for a position an employer isn't actively trying to fill. The listing may stay online after a role has been filled, canceled, or put on hold, or it may be kept open to collect applications for future hiring needs.

Also Known As

Ghost posting, Ghost listing, Phantom job

Why Ghost Job Matters

Applying to a ghost job can cost you time without leading to an interview or a response. Knowing the signs helps you focus on active openings and avoid spending effort on listings that may go nowhere.

Example

A company lists a Senior Marketing Manager role on several job boards for four months. The description never changes, no recruiter is named, and the role is not on the company's own careers page. These can all be signs of a ghost job.

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